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Announcements & Highlights

4-H U: Dream. Plan. Do. | Belvidere | 4 in-person sessions

Not sure what's next after high school? Let's figure it out together. For youth entering grades 9-12. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. REGISTER TODAY! 4-H U: DREAM. PLAN. DO. is a hands-on 4-session experience focused on exploring future options, connecting interests to real careers, building life and budgeting skills, and getting help with college applications, scholarships, interviewing, and FAFSA. Youth will meet local professionals and gain confidence as they plan their next steps after high school. Sessions are held at the Boone County Extension Office (Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Court, Suite 5, Belvidere, IL 61008) from 9–11 am on April 18, May 16, July 25, and September 19. Cost is $5 per session or $20 for all four sessions. Registration is required. You do not need to be in 4-H to attend.

Registration is open for 4-H Camp

Sign your child up TODAY! Limited number of spots still available. 4-H Camp is from June 14-18 at Rock River Christian Camp in Polo. Camp is open to ALL youth ages 8-14 as of June 14, 2026. 4-H membership is NOT REQUIRED. Camp fees: $350 (4-H members) or $400 (non-4-H members). Must be paid in full by May 1, or the spot will not be held. Includes lodging (4 nights), meals (11 meals), Canteen (4 afternoons), snacks (4 evenings), Camp t-shirt, and 'camptivities' and supplies.

Rural Business Transitions | Webinar | May 5

Sustaining Local Commerce: The Role of Community-Supported Enterprises in Business Retention- Small towns facing a long-standing business closure due to retirement, or other events, can have organized groups of residents to invest in the business or its structure and reopen it. These locally based efforts can revitalize a community by improving the quality of life and making the area more attractive to prospective residents. This webinar examines several cases and discusses key factors important to their success.

Presenter: Norman Walzer, professor of economics and founding director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs housed at Western Illinois University.

Upcoming Events at the Natural Resource Education Center | Genoa

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Watershed Steward Program | DeKalb County

Did you know that University of Illinois Extension in DeKalb County is offering the Watershed Steward program for members of our communities? This program engages participants as stewards of their local watershed by offering information from scientists, researchers, and watershed management professionals. This five-session education program helps people understand how their water travels from rainfall to potential drinking water and so much more. Five daytime classes- May 26 through June 16. Begin by completing this form.

Mother's Day Flower Walk | Genoa | May 9

On the day before Mother's Day, Saturday, May 9, come out to the guided wildflower walks at the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Forest Preserve. The upland paved path allows people of all abilities to enjoy the flowers. Walks start on the hour at 10 AM. The last walk will start at 1 PM. Two local botany enthusiasts, Karen Matz and Brian Hale, will lead and talk about forest plants and what is blooming. All are welcome on the guided hikes. There is no fee for the walks, and the NREC will be open for visitors. Extension Master Naturalists will be in the Natural Resource Education Center to welcome visitors while they wait for the next walk. Come in and see our wildlife exhibits!

NatureFest 2026 | Genoa | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Get ready for the annual NatureFest on Saturday, May 16! Hosted by Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the DeKalb County Health Department. It occurs at the only nature center in DeKalb County, Genoa's Natural Resource Education Center. This family-friendly, free event is perfect for families with elementary-aged children and up. There will be nature-themed hands-on learning activities. The event is outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Learning topics include turtles, camouflage, insects, river research, and more. Check in at the registration table and pick up a passport and a map of the area.

Explore Russell Woods Forest Preserve and the NREC from 10 AM to 1 PM. Families can take part in multiple hands-on learning activities. Come see T.J. the tortoise (the resident 75-pound African Sulcata tortoise), the other live animal displays, and hike the trails.

Events

State 4-H Reel Adventure Family Fish Camp

May 1, 2026 - May 3, 2026

4-H Hooks Us Together Statewide Fishing Tournament

May 1, 2026 - July 31, 2026

State 4-H Robotics Competition

May 2, 2026

Wee Nats

May 2, 2026

County

Stephenson

More Events

News Releases

April 29, 2026

Become an Illinois Extension Watershed Steward
DEKALB, Ill.—Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. The health of a watershed is connected to the health of a community,...

Recipient holds a sign outlining his plan to go to SIUC in ag studies.

April 27, 2026

Illinois 4-H prepares teens for college, careers, and life, new survey shows
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school, according to new data from the 2026 Illinois 4-H Senior Survey.The survey of 334 graduating 4-H members found that youth who participated in the program for an...

April 23, 2026

Get Your Pressure Canner Ready for Canning Season
Freeport, Ill. --As home canning season approaches, ensuring your pressure canner is working properly is an important first step. Dial gauges on pressure canners should be tested each year to confirm they are accurate and operating safely.Only a pressure canner can reach...

April 22, 2026

Illinois 4-H youth showcase equine expertise in statewide contests
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth from across the state demonstrated their knowledge, communication skills, and passion for the equine industry during the 2026 State 4-H Horse Bowl, Hippology, and Horse Speaking contests, held April 13 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. These...

child with clipboard, paper, and pencil outside

April 22, 2026

Fifth annual NatureFest to take place on May 16
GENOA, Ill. —Join us again for a day in the woods. University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and DeKalb County Health Department have planned the fifth annual NatureFest. Join us on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m...

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Programs We Offer

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